A message to Smiddy riders and supporters from ride founder Mark 'Shark' Smoothy...
Today (6 August) marks four years since we lost our mate Adam Smiddy. Please spare a thought for Adam's parents David and Maria Smiddy and their immediate family. Today is their toughest day of each year. Spare a thought for those people close to you that you have lost or are going through their own battle as we speak. Spare a thought for the reasons you are doing the Smiddy Challenge or supporting our efforts.
Your actions speak louder than words. Everyone that has participated in a Smiddy event or support our activities I thank you for showing that you care.
Each year on Adam's anniversary I like to share a story about my mate. To tell this story upsets me, but I like to think this is Adam's way of getting you to the doctor for a check up, or if you notice a friend, family member, love one, or a work colleague who should be getting a check up then act now, not later. Finally this story is about time; value the time you have on this beautiful planet and value the time you have with those people that mean most to you.
Since losing Adam time has become my most precious commodity. Let me explain why... Five weeks prior to Adam passing away I, along with friends Rowan Foster and Andrew Schindler did a bike ride around the Brisbane river loop with Adam. Afterwards we all stopped at Park Road for a coffee and a chat and when Rowan and Andrew left, Smiddy and I decided to hang around and order another coffee.
Around that time Adam was in remission from his cancer and I was dealing with my marriage separation. So it was normal for Adam and I to have some heart to heart sessions when alone. Adam was always so considerate and would always sit quietly and hear his friends out, only after the conversation was near completion would he talk about any issues he had going on at the time. At first it was just small talk and he was beating around the bush. I knew something wasn't right and I told him it was okay to get it off his chest. What Adam told me chilled me to the core. Smiddy confessed, "Smoothy I don't know what's wrong but for a while now I have had this really uncomfortable bloated feeling". "Mate promise me you will get to the Doc and get it checked out"? I said. Less than five weeks later my buddy passed away. The cancer, as we were sitting there chatting, was literally spreading to his vital organs, taking possession of tissues that it had no right to be invading, and working on robbing the world of one of the nicest blokes I have ever had the pleasure of knowing.
Back in 2006 I was angry that my mate was taken away from me in the prime of his life. The old saying, ‘It is just not fair,' rings ever so true. I channelled that anger into creating the Smiling for Smiddy Challenge, in remembrance of my dear mate Adam. Smiddy I love you mate and miss you dearly. Thanks to you I will not waste one moment of my waking life, as every second I live is a bonus.
The last time I saw my mate alive was 3 August 2006 at the Mater Hospital. I had the early stages of a beard and I hated beards. I swore to Adam I would not shave it off until he got better. When he passed away I approached Adam's parents to get permission to ride to Townsville in honour of their son. Permission was given and I vowed that the beard would remain, only to be shaved off once I arrived in Townsville. And that is how traditions begin. Now every year, starting August 6, I begin to grow a beard that I hate with a passion. Each year fellow Smiddy riders honour this tradition.
At the finish in Townsville, at the Strand Park, overlooking the ocean, we have a shave down in memory of friends and family that have battles this disease. For me it is Adam. Everyone has their own reason. Thank you for letting me share this with you.
Keep putting your heart and soul into life and let those closest to you know just how special they are.
Sharky.